HEJ, MY LOVE

THAT DAY

The first week of Jonas's absence was torture for Sierra, the bed seemed too big, just like the house, but the place reassured her. It was their home, a place without stigmas. A long line of families lived there before them. The previous owners only sold because their children had grown and left to pursue studies or careers.

Sierra felt safe.

From the second week, Sierra got active.

Saanvi persuaded her to join a woman's group. They talked about their issues, marriages, and exchanged recipes. The atmosphere somewhat reassured more than those of a hospital facility or an office. Jonas had appointments for joint therapy, focusing on critical points such as Sierra's adaptation to her life in Sweden, communication, and their loss. The sessions would start when Jonas returned.

"Hey there," Jonas said.

"Hey."

Facetime time had arrived.

"Wow, that tan."

Jonas had gone from lobster red to baked donut. With his bleached hair, he resembled a Californian surfer.

"Do you see that?"

"You lied to me, Jonas. You just wanted some time off to lay on the beach."

The man laughed, "no, look," Jonas showed the photos he had of the construction site and the first suites, "see, I'm working."

"Yeah, yeah."

"We'll be able to come here when we want. The prince says I'm VIP for life."

Sierra grinned, "Awww, Dubai, wait for me."

Everything seemed surreal, like a princess tale. Sierra never dreamt of marrying a wealthy man, a prince, or the stereotypical romance fiction man. She just wanted someone hardworking, and she had that with Vincent.

His ambition was enough as Sierra had a firm intention of bringing her piece to the table. Things were different with Jonas. Her part was now optional, just like anything else she decided to do. There was no financial pressure, and life became leisure.

Who would have thought it possible for the woman who wore hand-me-downs and who held down three part-time jobs to pay her tuition?

Sierra wasn't precious, she didn't ask Jonas for anything, and she didn't need to. The money she made was hers. And it was more than enough now that she had extra hours at work and didn't pay anything except her debts in Paris.

Some would say, as long as we live, and Sierra was willing to believe she lived a fairytale. It was not without sacrifice, but the good times gradually nibbled the rest.

"Jonas, did you get the photos?"

"Yes, they seem to have done a good job. I'll have a look when I get home."

They had put up a fence around the pond for Leone's safety. The boy tended to lean to look at the fish.

"You look exhausted."

Jonas slicked his hair back, "I'm beat; they start working at 5 am here because of the sun, soㅡ."

"I should let you sleep," Sierra felt guilty. Jonas never failed to call. They sometimes spoke up to three hours; the man never complained or cut short.

"No, I want to talk to you."

"Jonas, get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow, okay."

"Okay."

They hung up. Jonas adjusted his position and was about to close his eyes when his phone rang. He sat up and grabbed his phone, "Alstrom."

"Hej, Jonas, sorry to bother you, but I thought you'd like an update concerning Colette. The investigator I sent says Colette is still supposed to be in Prague. She didn't reserve or take a flight out. He went to the hotel where she stayed. Her phone and belongings are still there. So he checked with the police, but there's no missing person alert."